What factors make a planet habitable?

Earth: The Living Planet

 Earth is considered as a home of simple single-celled organisms up to the
most complex life forms including humans. It is undeniable that the planet
we live in is a rare planet as it is the only planet in our solar system that
permits life. The different characteristics of Earth are responsible for the
proliferation of life.
 Earth: It’s Atmosphere
 The atmosphere consists of 78.1% nitrogen, 20.9%
oxygen, 0.9% argon, 350 ppm carbon dioxide, and
other components. The table below shows the major
components in the atmosphere and their relative
concentrations
 The presence of oxygen and carbon dioxide permits life
on Earth. Carbon dioxide is used by photosynthetic
organisms, such as plants and algae, to convert the
energy from the sun to usable energy through the
process of photosynthesis. The oxygen makes it liveable
for living organisms including humans for respiration and
for our cells to function.
 Earth’s atmosphere also protects us from the sun’s
radiation. 30% percent of the radiation is reflected
away by the atmosphere, clouds, and the earth's
surface. Another 25% is absorbed by the atmosphere
and clouds, and the remaining 45% is absorbed by the
earth’s surface. Ozone or O3 is composed of three
oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, O3 is abundant in the
form of the ozone layer. This layer absorbs the ultraviolet Source: http://www.ucar.edu/communications/gcip/
wavelengths, and the absorption of this radiation heats m7sssystem/m7pdfc3.pdf
up the air.
 Earth: Soil and Vegetation
 The soil is a mixture of minerals, water, air, organic matter, and organisms. It is a living
medium—a medium for growth of all kinds of vegetation. The soil promotes growth for
plants by providing nutrients, water, and as a substrate for anchorage of roots. In return,
vegetation produces trees and forests cover, ensures the water and nutrient cycle, and
prevents soil and wind erosion. This mutual relationship of the soil and vegetation makes
our planet liveable.
 Earth: It’s Hydrosphere
 The hydrosphere contains all the water on our planet including ice and vapor. Nearly
three-quarters of the earth’s surface is the sea and the ocean. The ocean houses many
species of marine life and diverse mineral resources. Other forms of water include river,
streams, and lakes. Other than being a water reservoir, these forms of water are all
sources of fish and shellfish that we consume. They also serve as thermostat and heat
reservoir, especially the ocean. They also serve as ways for transportation.
Key Points
 The atmosphere consists of 78.1% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen, 0.9%
argon, 350 ppm carbon dioxide, and other components.
 The presence of oxygen and carbon dioxide makes Earth habitable.
 Earth’s atmosphere also protects us from the sun’s radiation.
 The soil is a living medium—a medium for growth of all kinds of
vegetation.
 The hydrosphere serves as a water reservoir, a source of fish and
shellfish that we consume, a thermostat and heat reservoir, and a
way for transportation.